Bond returns to New Zealand squad for Sri Lanka tour

Star fast bowler Shane Bond has returned to the New Zealand one-day squad for their tour to Sri Lanka starting next month.

Written by Agence-France Presse

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WELLINGTON:

Star fast bowler Shane Bond has returned to the New Zealand one-day squad for their tour to Sri Lanka starting next month.

Bond fell out with New Zealand last year after signing for the Indian Cricket League (ICL) but has been welcomed back after cutting his ties with the rebel competition, along with fellow quick Daryl Tuffey.

Bond was named Tuesday only for the one-day and Twenty20 squads for the Sri Lankan tour starting next month and will first join the New Zealand A team for its tour to India next month.

New Zealand selection panel head Glenn Turner said the 34-year-old Bond would have a chance to "get up to speed" with New Zealand A before joining the top team.

In an injury-plagued career, Bond has taken 79 Test wickets at an average of 22.39 in 17 Tests and 67 wickets in 125 one-day internationals at 19.32.

Tuffey, who last played in a Test in 2004, returns to the national side following a strong domestic season.

Turner said the selectors had taken Sri Lankan conditions into account in the selection of the 31-year-old medium-fast bowler, who took 66 wickets in 22 Tests.

Auckland wicketkeeper Reece Young received his first call-up to the top national side to provide cover for Brendon McCullum.

New Zealand will play two Tests, five one-day internationals and two Twenty20 matches on the Sri Lanka tour.